Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk stated that the players of the legendary Merseyside club need to stand united againt the voices from the outside amid talks of a rift between starman Mohamed Salah and head
coach Arne Slot over the former’s playing time this season after the Egyptian went on a rant to the media.
Former star Clarence Seedorf quizzed Van Dijk if he was up to play peacemaker amid the chaos as the Reds look to steady their season after a shocking start.
“As a captain, are you going to play a role in trying to bring peace again?” asked the AC Milan legend.
“I have known Mo for such a long time. He has been a big part of the success that I’ve had at the football club,” Van Dijk replied.
“I’ve been a big part of his success. We, as players have to brace ourselves and be against the outside noise,” the Reds skipper said.
“It’s not up to me to say who should apologize. It’s him airing his feelings. The club have to deal with it and him as well,” the Dutchman said.
“It’s a collective situation. Things between Mo and the club are going on and he is obviously not here today helping us get 3 pts,” he stated.
Salah, who has netted 250 goals in 420 appearances, has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining from Roma in 2017. But, the Egyptian has struggled this season, scoring just five times in 19 appearances as the Reds languish in ninth, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal after 15 games.
Salah was left out of the Reds squad for their UEFA Champions League game against Inter as a result of his outburst, but the Reds managed to register a 0-1 win on the road despite the absence of the star winger.
Head coach Slot also opened up on the possible reintegration of disgruntled star, but threw an open question out to the audience enquiring who they felt should make the first move. When Seedorf told Slot that he believes that he onus was on the manager to open the doors for the player, the Dutch coach stated that it was the icon’s opinion in a rather curt manner.
